General Container Gardening – Complete Guide

Container Gardening Basics

Choosing a Pot and Growing Mix

Most plants can be grown singly or in combinations in containers. Any container with a drainage hole works. Growing medium must drain much faster than garden soil.

Planting

Add potting mix until container is ~¼ full. If using dry peat-moss-based mix, pre-moisten in tub/wheelbarrow until moist but not soggy. Set plants on mix, spacing closely. Tallest in center, surround with mounding plants, trailing plants at edges. Add mix to within 1 inch of rim, firm lightly. Water thoroughly.

Container Care

Containers dry quickly; in summer heat, may need daily watering. Nutrients wash out with frequent watering. For annuals, water with balanced water-soluble fertilizer every other week in summer. Bulbs, perennials, shrubs need less: half-strength solution once a month through August. Container Booster (51002) revitalizes old potting soil. All-Bloom Fertilizer (51014) 15-30-15 can be diluted and applied regularly. Groom regularly: remove spent flowers, prune vigorous growers.

Preparing for Winter

Where winter temps drop well below freezing, dismantle containers in fall. Bring tender plants indoors or compost; plant hardy bulbs, perennials, shrubs in ground. Empty most containers of mix and store under cover; only plastic/fiberglass pots can stay out without cracking. In mild-winter climates (Zone 8/10°F and warmer), hardy plants can stay outdoors in containers with little risk.